Red Arctic

The Arctic is often treated as a bellwether for climate change and for the rights and traditions of indigenous peoples, and also as a test of whether international laws and norms can endure. Elizabeth Buchanan's Red Arctic takes aim at the widespread belief that the region is heading for strategic meltdown and becoming the stage for a literal new Cold War between Russia and the West.

Buchanan argues that Putin's Arctic strategy depends heavily on cooperation with foreign energy firms, so introducing outside conflict would hurt business. In her view, Russia needs a low-tension environment to achieve its critical economic interests there.

The book traces Russian Arctic strategy under Putin: how it is formulated, what drives it and where it is heading. Buchanan warns against assuming expansionist intent in the region and calls for informed judgment about what really shapes Russia's approach.